Jackson McKinney

MCKINNEY, JACKSON A. Jackson A. McKinney, 90, of Bay City, Michigan passed away on April 6th of surgical complications at the Cleveland Clinic. He was born in Beckley, West Virginia in 1924, the eldest son of La Verne and Dallas McKinney. During World War II Jack served from 1943 -1945 in the US Coast Guard, where he earned several medals and accolades for his honorable service overseas. In 1943 he married the love of his life and center of his universe, the lovely Pauline M. McKinney (Northcott) of Bay City, MI -- whom he said stole his heart with her dimpled smile, brilliance, and beauty. After the war, he earned his B.A. in 1951 and M.A. in 1952 from the Teachers College at Marshall University. In 1962 he earned an M.A. in Science For Teachers from Rackham Graduate School at the University of Michigan. Not only was he a brilliant and highly educated man, he was also a natural born nurturer and teacher, with an easy smile, an open heart and a sharp wit. A lover of animals, botany, and community, Jack taught biology at Handy High School, Bay City, for 30 years. Beloved by his students, peers, and the catfish he kept in an enormous tank at school, his classroom was full even during lunch-breaks. His love of nature compelled him to become Michigan's first State Naturalist: rehabilitating hurt wildlife in his own home, before releasing them back into the wild. Local Sunday schools took field trips to the McKinney home to visit the injured animals, and be educated about respecting animals and the majesty of nature. This passion also lead him to become a conservation officer at Bay City State Park, where he ran the Jennison Trailside Museum. Additionally, he was a member of the MEA, NEA, VFW, and the Audubon Society. Above all else, Jackson was a family man. His life was devoted to cherishing his wife, raising his children and grandchildren, and taking care of all of the critters lucky enough to enter his realm. Jackson is survived by his wife of 70 years, his soul mate, Pauline McKinney; son, Michael McKinney; daughter, Joan Lindland (husband Richard II); Grandchildren, Patrick, Tracey, Richard III, Lori (husband Joshua), and Thomas Jackson; five great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; brother, Edgar McKinney (wife Sonia); sister, Ruth McGregor (husband Thomas); a half dozen cats and dogs, and countless outdoor critters. He was preceded in death by his son Patrick, his sister Edna, and his parents, La Verne and Dallas. He was adored by his family, and was the hero of Joan, Richard III, Lori, Thomas Jackson, and his niece Tricia. So treasured was "Daddy" by Joan, she gifted his name to her son, Thomas Jackson. So idolized was "Papa" by Lori, she named her first born, "McKinney." Our Jackson will be lovingly remembered and fiercely missed. A visitation honoring this remarkable man will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 12th, with a memorial service to follow at 3:00pm. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 103 E Midland St, Bay City, MI 48706, (989) 686-1360. Please stop in and share your memories, stories, and photographs. If you'd like to send flowers, the church requests they be delivered on Saturday between 1:00pm and 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider an in-memoriam donation to the World Wildlife Federation. (We also need to lovingly re-home a few of his half dozen cats -- please contact JacksonsCats@gmail.com if you can help.)